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We’re bringing the page to a close now, but you can read a full round-up of the sentencing here.

Will Griffiths says that his son's death leaves "a void that can never be replaced".

"He must have felt so sad and alone, and it breaks my heart this is what his last few weeks on this earth were like," he says.

"Ethan couldn't defend himself."

He continues: "I will always grieve the birthdays and Christmas mornings we can no longer celebrate with him. I will never see his first day at school, see him grow up, get married or have children of his own. All those special moments were stolen from him and he leaves a void that can never be replaced.

"But the cherished memories that I do have bring me comfort amongst the pain and grief."

He says he often hears his "affectionate laugh" and is reminded "how lucky I was to be his dad".

"Ethan will never be forgotten, he was always live on in our hearts. I want him to be remembered for the smiley, outgoing, loving child he was," he says.

"His memory will be a blessing and he will continue to live on in me forever."

Image source, Family photo

Mr Griffiths adds Ethan "should have been in a safe and loving environment" but instead "was abused and neglected in the most devastating way by the people who should have cared for him".

"Ethan was subjected to the cruellest behaviour, he was denied food and basic comforts, regularly excluded, treated unfairly and disciplined for no reasons," he says.

"I hope Michael, Kerry and Shannon all acknowledge what they have done and take full responsibility for their actions."

Ethan's dad, Will Griffiths, says he can "finally grieve" following the sentencing.

Giving a statement on the court steps, wearing a "Justice for Ethan" t-shirt, he says "knowing those responsible have been held accountable and justice has been served for Ethan" allows him to mourn his son.

"What happened to Ethan has changed everything in my life, and I can't describe the pain and anguish I have felt since losing him," he says.

Det Supt Bell also paid tribute to Ethan's family, and thanked them for their support during the investigation.

"I commend the immense strength and courage of Ethan's father and his family and I thank them for supporting my investigation team throughout the last four years," he said.

"I would also like to acknowledge the dignity that they showed throughout what was a complex, harrowing and protracted investigation.

"My condolences and thoughts remain with them at this time, and whilst I recognise that no sentence will ever bring Ethan back, I hope all start to heal the pain and grief that they must be all going through.

"I hope that it will offer them some peace and allow them to rebuild their life again."

Det Supt Chris Bell from North Wales Police adds: "None of them have ever acknowledged their responsibility for their actions.

"My team have only ever been driven by justice for Ethan.

"Unfortunately, he wasn't able to tell us what happened to him, therefore it was vitally important that we gave him a voice.

"And through a meticulous and thorough investigation we were able to gather the facts and piece together what happened to him."

Giving a statement outside Mold Crown Court, Det Supt Chris Bell from North Wales Police said: "Today's sentences reflect the wicked behaviour Ethan endured before his brutal murder in August 2021.

"Ethan, a beautiful young boy with his whole life ahead of him, had it stolen by his grandparents, while his mother did nothing to stop it.

"They are the very people who should have protected, cared and loved Ethan.

"It is impossible to imagine the terror a two-year-old must have felt while he had to endure that wicked behaviour and punishment that he received."

While we await statements from those involved with the case, here is a recap of what has happened today at Mold Crown Court:

• Ethan's grandparents and mother arrived to be sentenced - Michael and Kerry Ives for Ethan's murder, and Shannon Ives for allowing his death
• Ethan's dad Will Griffiths read an emotional statement, saying "what happened to Ethan changed everything in my life"
• The court heard that the Ives' home was controlled by "violence and fear" and Ethan's final days were "thoroughly miserable"
• The court was told Shannon Ives "did nothing to stop" her parents killing her son and she could have saved his life
• Her defence barrister said she was a woman with a low IQ and suffered from anxiety and depression
• Michael Ives' defence barrister said he was "struggling with his mental health" at the time of Ethan's murder
• Kerry Ives' defence barrister added there were "no excuses for her acts of failure"
• The judge described Ethan as a "brave and resilient" boy with "a strong character"
• He said Michael and Kerry Ives had a "campaign to break him" involving him being beaten and starved
• He added Ethan's mum knew her son was not safe with her parents, but wanted him to suffer at their hands as she had done
• He handed Michael and Kerry Ives life sentences, with minimum prison terms of 23 and 17 years respectively
• Shannon Ives was given 12 years, of which she will spend eight in prison and the rest on licence

Image source, Family photo

Proceedings are now over.

There will be statements to follow outside court.

The defendants were sentenced to the following:

Michael Ives, 48, was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison for murdering his grandson, plus nine years for child cruelty, to be served concurrently.

Kerry Ives, 48, was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison for murdering her grandson, and six for child cruelty which will also run concurrently.

Shannon Ives, 28, was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison for allowing her son to die.

She was also given five years for child cruelty, to be served concurrently.

She will serve two thirds of her 12-year sentence in prison, before being released on licence.

Image source, North Wales Police

Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Like her parents before her, Shannon Ives gives no reaction as she's sentenced and taken down.

The public gallery remained silent, as it has throughout.

The judge has now left and proceedings in court are over.

George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Shannon Ives is told she will serve two thirds of her 12-year sentence in prison, before being released on licence.

The judge says he will impose a sentence of 12 years on Shannon Ives for allowing Ethan to die.

On child cruelty, the judge says the sentence will be five years, to run concurrently.

George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

"She wanted Ethan to be broken too," says Mr Justice Griffiths, alluding to her own childhood.

Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Shannon Ives' eyes appear red and half-closed.

She's still sitting, but any minute now, she will be told to stand, to hear her sentence.

"She did not cause his death but she was active in allowing it," the judge says.

George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Addressing Shannon Ives for allowing her son to be killed, the judge says she knew Ethan was at risk.

"She knew he was emaciated and covered in bruises all over his body," he said.

Kerry Ives will serve a minimum term of 17 years in custody for murder.

The judge says she "encouraged and supported" the extreme fatal force used by her husband against their grandson.

She was also sentenced to six years for child cruelty, which will run concurrently to the murder sentence.

Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Michael Ives has been taken down, while the other two remain in the dock.

He showed no emotion as he was taken away.

His wife will now be sentenced.

For the murder of Ethan Ives-Griffiths, Michael Ives has been sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison.

For child cruelty, he is given nine years - to be served concurrently.

Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Michael Ives has been ordered to stand.

Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter

Michael Ives has just leant back and sighed in the dock, as the judge lists the catalogue of violence and abuse he subjected Ethan to.

His wife Kerry, sat to his left, has her head down, apparently staring at the floor.

Shannon is also staring downwards, her head bowed.